Chatham: 43-Year-Old Jailed Over Attempted Murder

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A Chatham man has been jailed for 15 years after being convicted of the attempted murder of a 14-year-old girl.

Darren Ford, 43, was arrested by Kent Police on 24 June 2013 after he tried to strangle the schoolgirl to death.

The teenager was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital with injuries consistent with being strangled.

Ford claimed he had found her with rope tied around her neck, but medical staff became suspicious and alerted police.

Ford was arrested and charged with attempted murder and was convicted and sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday 14 October.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Ed Scott of Kent Police's Public Protection Unit, said: "This was a complex case, I would like to pay tribute to the victim, who endured a horrendous experience.

"Despite her trauma and physical injuries, she has made a significant recovery and bravely worked with detectives and medical staff to produce vital evidence that led to Ford's arrest.

"My thoughts are with her and her family as she attempts to rebuild her life."